Tampa Bay Appraiser's Blog

Bank Owned & Short Sale Homes Report

*GTAR MLS Market Statistics August 2009

After reviewing the  Greater Tampa Area Realtors (GTAR) MLS statistics, here are some observations:

- For specific price points out the number of sales had a dramatic increase.  These price points are where people must feel they are getting a bargain deal.  Here is the range on the year to date (YTD) $100-180k and $200-250k.  Investors to the rescue! continue reading…

ABOLISH ALL PROPERTY TAXES NOW!!!! the signs read in Tampa’s Westshore area. I googled the phrase. The central theme of the argument was to make it more affordable for people to buy. Polls have shown property taxes are the top concern for people considering a home purchase in Florida and a drag on the economy.

Solution: First, no different sales tax rates for different items. A 2 1/2% sales tax would work. Tourists and renters would share the burden of the taxes (not just homeowners). Second, the measure should prevent wording such as, “The legislature may provide for any form of taxation other than ad valorem taxation to replace revenues foregone by the prohibition against levying ad valorem taxes upon real estate or tangible personal property.” We have to use specific verbiage stating where the revenues for the state are derived. continue reading…

Welcome to the Tampa Bay Appraisers Blog. This is a new website, but I’ve been blogging for awhile. I look forward to talking with you about the real estate industry in general and more specifically residential real estate appraisal. We will talk about other local topics and occassionally a guest blogger will stop by and share some ideas or knowledge with our readers. I may even share some motivational thoughts and ideas. Thanks for stopping by. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to jump right in and either comment, e-mail us or give me a call.

Jon Tipton, Florida Certified Residential Appraiser

813-391-6121